Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing

Homeowners, people about to sell or move into a house, landlords, and real estate agents preparing listings.

Price per square foot or per room, with extras for stairs, staining, repairs and specialty finishes. Jobs often run 2 to 4 days, so a few jobs a month can add up.

• Comfortable with heavy equipment
• Eye for detail and a steady hand
• Giving clear quotes and keeping customers informed

• General liability insurance, since floors and walls can be damaged
• Whether your state or county requires a contractor license, and any job value limits
• Lead paint rules (EPA RRP) may apply in homes built before 1978, check before taking those jobs
• Wood dust, fumes and fire risk: use a respirator, good ventilation and proper disposal of dust and rags
• Finish product rules on VOCs can differ by state, so check what you may use

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on your sanders, dust containment and finishing supplies. Equipment quality and whether you buy new or used affect where you land.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and their size. Plan on at least about 25 hours a week.

Check whether your state or county requires a contractor license and any job value limits. Check EPA lead paint (RRP) rules for homes built before 1978, state VOC rules for finishes, and general liability insurance.